Q-Sys designs motion platform for research into laser ablation methods

Q-Sys designed a motion platform for use with research into laser ablation methods using combinations of laser, optics and materials.

Q-Sys produced a motion platform within a short time scale — and cost constraints — for use in research into laser ablation methods using combinations of laser, optics and materials.

The platform features stacked XY stages on a granite base and a vertical Z axis that is mounted onto a fixed granite bridge.

The lower axis has 1,000mm travel and is constructed directly onto the granite surface, and the stack’s upper axis has a travel stage of 750mm. Both include a linear motor drive and optical encoder position feedback.

The system also has a 100mm Z stage and three-axis motion controller and amplifiers.

Key information

Positioning within 10 microns before mapping and a repeatability of 1 micron.

20kg payload capacity.

XY stack produces a flatness performance of 3.5 microns.

Q-Sys

Formed in 2007 by four former colleagues from Anorad Europe, Q-Sys fills the gap between standard catalogue motion products and real-world applications. Instead of trying to create solutions for complex motion tasks from mass-produced components, Q-Sys enables engineers to obtain exactly what best suits their needs — bespoke, high-accuracy motion equipment.

We offer targeted solutions for today’s most demanding motion system needs, designed to meet the customer’s specification in the most cost-effective way. This technique has proved very successful, not only for one-off special-purpose systems but also in producing the motion platforms for series production machines, enabling large savings to be made by incorporating the motion hardware into the machine support frame.

Specialising in the application of linear motor technology, Q-Sys engineers have more than 50 years' collective experience in delivering quality solutions to individual applications, including laser machining, cutting and welding, digital holography, large-format inkjet printing, semiconductor wafer metrology and flat-panel display production to name just a few. We have also worked with several synchrotron facilities to deliver a variety of custom motion and positioning solutions including metrology benches.